One of the current hot crazes seems to be the “Instrument-Styled” pilots watc, as populraized by Bell and Ross.. But where and when did this style really come from. You might be surprised to learn that it started in Canada, way back in the mind of the owner of Trintec in 1984. The design was patented in 1987, and was at first applied to a clock.
Later on, other designs followed as watches and these were sod starting in 1990, mostly through aircraft and pilot supply houses, such as Shorty’s
The patent expired in 2001 and contrary to popular belief you can not renew a design patent or a utility patent, thus the proliferation of the design by others. Trintec is the owner of the original “prior art” and thus has the right to produce and sell this type of design as the design originator. They do say “imitation is the most sincere form of flattery”.
Time Fliers - Watches and Flight 